Partnership for Economic Development looks to fill key position

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development is looking for its next director of industry relations.

MIKE DIRKS/TIMES-NEWS, FILE

By MOLLY MCGOWANTimes-News Staff Writer

Published: Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 6:17 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 6:17 p.m.

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development is looking for a new director of industry relations, as Josh Hallingse is leaving the team shortly.

Andrew Tate, HCPED president and CEO, said the partnership is excited for Hallingse, as his exit is “a logical career progression for him,” but the small organization is already on the lookout for the new official liaison to the community's manufacturers.

“We don't want a lack of continuity or support. When you have a three-person organization, a change in personnel can be significant,” Tate said. “There's 135 manufacturers in the county. It will be this person's responsibility to manage the bulk of those relationships.”

According to the job posting on LinkedIn posted Monday, the director of industry relations will require a “thorough understanding of utilities and infrastructure in the service area, and relationships with utility providers.” The director will also be involved in maintaining website content, requests for information and proposals, projects and research.

Tate said that in Hallingse's six years with the partnership, he's been very involved in product development and maintaining the existing manufacturing sites and inventory.

“He's had a hand in every positive announcement of job creation or investment that the partnership has participated in,” said Tate.

The job opening had already garnered about 10 expressions of interests or resumes by Tuesday afternoon, and Tate said he hopes to start interviewing candidates for the position by the end of July. Hallingse's last day is yet to be determined.

<p>The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development is looking for a new director of industry relations, as Josh Hallingse is leaving the team shortly.</p><p>Andrew Tate, HCPED president and CEO, said the partnership is excited for Hallingse, as his exit is “a logical career progression for him,” but the small organization is already on the lookout for the new official liaison to the community's manufacturers.</p><p>“We don't want a lack of continuity or support. When you have a three-person organization, a change in personnel can be significant,” Tate said. “There's 135 manufacturers in the county. It will be this person's responsibility to manage the bulk of those relationships.”</p><p>According to the job posting on LinkedIn posted Monday, the director of industry relations will require a “thorough understanding of utilities and infrastructure in the service area, and relationships with utility providers.” The director will also be involved in maintaining website content, requests for information and proposals, projects and research. </p><p>Tate said that in Hallingse's six years with the partnership, he's been very involved in product development and maintaining the existing manufacturing sites and inventory. </p><p>“He's had a hand in every positive announcement of job creation or investment that the partnership has participated in,” said Tate. </p><p>The job opening had already garnered about 10 expressions of interests or resumes by Tuesday afternoon, and Tate said he hopes to start interviewing candidates for the position by the end of July. Hallingse's last day is yet to be determined.</p><p>___</p><p>Reach McGowan at molly.mcgowan@blueridgenow.com or 828-694-7871.</p><p>___</p><p>Follow Molly McGowan on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TNmollymcgowan</p>